Unit 3 Study Guide - Ancient China

OP:Ancient China developed a unique and long lasting culture that served as a cradle of Asian
civilization, and a source of important intellectual achievement that impacted societies around
the world.

1. Locate the Huang-He river system on a map and discuss its importance to ancient Chinese
civilization during the Shang Dynasty.
2. How did the geographic features of China make governance and the spread of ideas and
goods difficult, and help to isolate the civilization?
3. Describe the concept of the Mandate of Heaven and its connection to the Zhou dynasty.
4. What were the basic teachings associated with Taoism, Confucianism, and Legalism and
how did they influence ancient Chinese civilization?
5. What were the political and cultural achievements of the Qin and Han dynasties?
6. How did silk influence China’s government, economy and culture during the Han period?
7. What were the major characteristics and achievements of the Tang and Song dynasties?
8. What were the causes of the rise of the Mongol Empire, and what impact did the Mongolians
have on Asian and European civilization?
9. How did China go from one of the most advanced civilizations in the world during the early
Ming Dynasty to a weak and isolated one when Japan and Western European nations began
controlling them from the outside?
10. Evaluate the following quote by the Chinese philosopher Confucius: “Study the past if you
would divine the future.”